Panetta, Davis establish Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2017 - Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and Rodney Davis, R-Ill., have joined together to establish the bipartisan Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus, which is dedicated to topics related to agriculture research, innovation, and mechanization efforts. As co-chairs, Panetta and Davis say they hope to educate and engage with their fellow lawmakers on these issues. In a release, they say the Caucus will provide a platform for the two congressmen to elevate challenges facing agricultural producers across the country, especially as Congress prepares to write the 2018 farm bill.

“As a representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, I believe it is of the utmost importance to equip our growers, shippers, and farmworkers with the most effective tools possible,” said Panetta. “Strategic investments in research for plant breeding, crop protections, and mechanization will support the future success of the agriculture industry while also helping to address major concerns relating to resource conservation and labor shortages.”

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Ken Dallmier, President and COO of Clarkson Grain Company. While the global grain business is dominated by supply, demand and now trade wars, this Illinois-based company functions under a customer-focused mindset. Dallmier says this generation of consumer demand is dominated by a different set of social values leading to questions over the way food is produced and the prices they’re willing to pay. Sustainability, organic and non-GMO are providing farmers an income stream isolated from traditional market forces.

Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator of the Andrew Wheeler recently announced their intent to reassess and correct the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.

The world of agriculture extends beyond what’s growing in your field or living in your barn, and here at Agri-Pulse, we understand that. We make it our duty to inform you of the most up-to-date agricultural and rural policy decisions being made in Washington D.C. and examine how they will affect you – the farmer, the lobbyist, the government employee, the educator, the consultant and the concerned citizen.